The Center for World Performance Studies (CWPS) hosts a week of Latina/o/x/e events throughout campus, featuring a comedy night, Bomba fusion band concert and dance party, and an artist residency with El Laberinto del Coco.
CWPS is partnering with current PhD student and CWPS Graduate Fellow alum, Julianna Loera-Wiggins, to coordinate a night of Latina/o/x/e comedy on Wednesday, February 4. This will mark the third collaboration to bring comedy to the Keene Theater stage, and the second Latine-focused comedy night since 2023. The evening will feature five comedians all with connections to Michigan, either as new transplants making Michigan their home or as comics born here and now spreading their wings across the US. Their collective credits span Comedy Central, NPR, Sirius XM, The Moth, The Latina Comedy Festival, The Motor City Comedy Festival, podcast hosting, and many others.
El Laberinto del Coco is a dynamic and vibrant 14-piece Bomba Fusion band hailing from Puerto Rico. Formed in 2017, El Laberinto del Coco comprises a group of highly skilled musicians and percussionists deeply rooted in Afro-Puerto Rican culture. El Laberinto del Coco, which translates “The Labyrinth of the Mind,” reflects their mission to explore and push the boundaries of traditional Bomba music while staying true to its essence. CWPS will host the band for a night of music, dancing, desserts, and drinks and in the League Ballroom on Friday, February 6. The evening will celebrate Puerto Rican music, culture, dancing, and traditions.
Latina/o/x/e Comedy Night
Wednesday, February 4 | 7:00 pm
Keene Theater, East Quadrangle
701 E. University Ave
Free and open to the public
Featuring a dynamic lineup of comedians who bring their diverse Latin American backgrounds – and quick wit – to the stage. Enjoy performances by several Michigan-based or born talent including Hilary Jimenez, Esteban Touma, Camila Ballario, Johanna Medranda, and Julianna Loera-Wiggins. See full event details.
El Laberinto del Coco: Puerto Rican Bomba Fusion Ensemble live concert and dance party
Friday, February 6 | 7:00 pm
League Ballroom, Michigan League
911 N University Ave
Free and open to the public
Groove to the irresistible, rhythmic beats of Puerto Rico! El Laberinto del Coco is a groundbreaking Puerto Rican Bomba fusion ensemble dedicated to preserving, expanding, and reimagining one of the island’s oldest Afro–Puerto Rican musical traditions. Rooted in Bomba’s deep African diasporic heritage, the project fuses traditional rhythms, dance, and call-and-response with jazz, funk, Afro-Caribbean, and contemporary global sounds, creating an electrifying and immersive live experience. Led by percussionist and composer Héctor “Coco” Bárez, the ensemble brings together 14 musicians committed to cultural continuity, innovation, and collective expression. Fuel up with tasty treats and sips – desserts and beverages will be provided! See full event details.
Presented by the Center for World Performance Studies in collaboration with the Latina/o Studies Program.
If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the Center for World Performance Studies at [email protected] at least one week in advance of this event. Please be aware that advance notice is necessary as some accommodations may require more time for the University to arrange.